List differential diagnosis that would help confirm GERD while ruling out other diagnosis. Which medication is the best medication for treatment of GERD and why? What labs or other diagnostic tests that are used to confirm GERD? Your response should be at least 350 words.

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The condition of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), in which stomach contents flow into the esophagus and cause symptoms like regurgitation, dysphagia, or heartburn. To confirm GERD and rule out any other diagnosis, you should consider the differential diagnoses below:

1. A peptic disease is caused when there’s an imbalance in acid production and stomach protective factors. This leads to the development of ulcers. The symptoms include nausea and vomiting, as well as abdominal pain.
2. This includes esophageal disorders such as achalasia, and diffuse esophageal sprains that can lead to dysphagia or chest pain.
3. Angina or myocardial disease can cause symptoms that are similar to GERD such as discomfort and chest pain.
4. Gastritis: An inflammation of the stomach’s lining may cause symptoms like abdominal pain, nausea, or bloating.

PPIs such as omeprazole, pantoprazole and other proton pumps inhibitors are best for treating GERD. They reduce stomach acid production, reducing symptoms. The PPIs work to treat GERD, because they block the last step of the acid production process. This results in a sustained suppression of the acid. PPIs work better than H2 blockers, like ranitidine, or antacids such as calcium carbonate, to suppress acid.

Tests that confirm GERD include the following:

1. Monitoring of esophageal acidity: This test can be used to confirm GERD.
2. Upper endoscopy allows direct visualisation of the stomach, esophagus and duodenum. It can detect any abnormal structural changes or inflammation.
3. A barium swallow is a test that involves the patient swallowing a solution coated with barium. This allows for the visualization of abnormalities using an X ray.